The big-bellied hippopotamus
Inhabits the jungles of Java,
Where in the depths of each lair, cuss
More monsters than haunt the dreamer.
The boa uncoils and hisses,
The tiger gives out its roars,
The angry buffalo whistles;
He grazes at peace or snores.
He fears nor kris nor assegai,
He gazes at man, with no cares at all,
And smiles at the sepoy’s musket-ball,
That merely rebounds from his hide.
I’m like the hippopotamus;
Clothed with my convictions’ weight,
Strong armour none can penetrate,
I tread, secure, the wilderness.
Theophile Gautier
tr.. A.S. Kline
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